ESPAÑA 1982

The World Cup of 1982 was the first one in Maradona's history: he was a great champion already in 1978, but he was not selected as part of the 1978 Argentine team, probably because he was only 17. Anyway, Argentina won that World Cup.

In 1982 he was almost 22 and he was one of the best and most known players in the world: press, television and fans considered him the new Pelé and the new shining star of football. In 1982 he played a good tournament, scoring twice against Hungary as Argentina won 4-1 with goals by Bertoni (28.), Maradona (29. and 57.), Ardiles (61.). Maradona showed his pure class in the first matches, he was a great player indeed. Argentina qualified for the second round ranking as runner-up in the group losing to Belgium 0-1, but winning against Hungary 4-1 and El Salvador 2-0.

Maradona now had to face Brazil and Italy in the group! What some matches! Argentina lost the first match against Italy 1-2 and Maradona was followed for the whole match by the tough Italian defender Gentile. In the same match a wonderful free kick by Maradona hit the post. Then Argentina lost 1-3 against Brazil and Maradona was shown the red card. They were out of the tournament. Italy went through defeating Brazil 3-2 after an extraordinary match.

Maradona's cup was over. But in 4 years he would have showed to the whole world that he was the number one captaining Argentina to win their second title in Mexico, where he was consacrated as a legend of football.

==>Mexico 1986

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